Bill to Study Group Homes Passes House

HARTFORD – H.B. 6483, An Act Establishing A Task force To Study Group Home Distribution, was passed on the CT House floor, May 14.

Rep. Christie Carpino (Cromwell, Portland) co-sponsored this bill, and shepherded it through the House of Representatives in response to concerns raised in both Cromwell and across Connecticut. H.B. 6483 was sponsored by Rep. Mark Tweedie (Manchester, Glastonbury).

The task force will study the placements, densities, distributions, and financial implications of group homes throughout the state.

“The placement of group homes often raises safety questions for both facility residents and for the communities in which they’re placed. The current laws surrounding their locations place financial stresses on their host communities. We want to give a voice to all stakeholders to find a solution that respects the rights and needs of residents and municipalities,” said Rep. Carpino

“We want to help provide a good fit for group home residents so that they can be successful and thrive in their communities,” she said.

“Group homes have been placed in several of the communities in our district, raising safety concerns and placing a financial burden on the municipalities that have to support them,” said Senator Paul Doyle (D-9), who also co-sponsored the bill.

“I look forward to this comprehensive study that will look into all aspects of the group homes, including placement, and I hope this study can lead to a more equitable way of distributing these facilities,” he said.

The task force will submit a report on its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly in time for the 2016 legislative session.

The bill now awaits passage in the State Senate.